Question

what are five limiting factors that would control the population density of weeds?

Answer 1

Hi Answer:

The population density is a key geographical term and present case of weeds, it can be defined as the total measurement of population per unit area. OR It can be known as the number of weeds per unit area. The population density of a particular species we have to divide the total population of that species by the size of the area.

Population Density = Number of weeds/Land Area. (The unit of land are must be in square kilometers)

The population density of every species depends upon some limiting factor. This factor plays a very important role in growth or development of these species, in fact, they decide the rate with which a particular species will grow in a particular land site. The following six limiting factors would control the population density of weeds.

1. Supply and nutrients in the soil

Explanation: As we know that any plant will grow only when there is sufficient nutrient is present in the soil. The density of these weed population will high or more when there will be sufficient nutrition is present in soil which is enough to support the growth of a large number of weeds. If a nutrient is insufficient then the weed population will also low.

2. Presence/Absence of growth-restricting substances such as pesticides

Explanation: The weed can grow efficiently when there is no weedicide is present in the soil. In the absence of such substances the weed population will grow to its maximum but when these weedicide are present in soil then the population density will reduce. Because these chemicals will not allow weeds to grow.

3. The soil aeration and structure

Explanation: The population density also depends upon the soil aeration and soil structure. The soil having low aeration capacity and low or very high water holding capacity will not allow the growth of weeds. The soil having moderate aeration and water holding capacity boost the growth of weeds.

4. Moisture content in the soil.

Explanation: It also plays a critical role in the population density because without moisture no plant or even weed can grow. So the sufficient moisture in the soil is essential for the growth of a population.

5. Biotic factors such as disease and pests

Explanation: Disease and presence of pests also affect the population density. because if there is any pest which feeds on weeds is available on the farm that will reduce the population density of weeds.

6. Quality, intensity, and duration of light

Explanation: This is also an important limiting factor because in the absence of proper sunlight no plant and grows effectively.